This was my favorite sweater. It had big holes in the sleeves.
I first noticed a little hole in the left elbow last fall. I was disappointed, but love a well worn sweater. So I kept wearing it. In fact, I loved the sweater so much, that I wore it most of the winter. It was a comfy sweater for hanging out. Perfect for lounging with a cup of tea after doing farm chores.
I thought about darning and patching but just didn't get to it. So there I was with giant holes and a little idea...
Many of the yarnies I listen to recycle yarn. They take the yarn from an old garment and give it new life. So when I realized the holes had become too big to patch, I decided to disassemble my sweater and use the yarn to make socks.
My sweater was knit in sections and then sewn together.
I've only unravelled the cuffs so far. I have three types of yarn as a result;
pieces that are long enough to wind into small balls,
I have a lot of unravelling left to do. Then I need to find a set of sock needles and a pattern to try. I would love recommendations for easy, first-timer sock patterns.
Remember to go find inspiration from the other Fiber Arts Friday Folks.
10 comments:
I have a couple of sweaters that no longer have wearable life in them, I hadn't thought about recycling them. Can't wait to see the finished project.
I never considered recycling my sweaters but now I will have to think about it. I look forward to your posts as you dismantle this sweater and give the yarn new life.
Thanks for sharing.
Thank you guys. I hope it turns out as good as it is in my head.
Even though I have been knitting for a looooong time, I have never knit socks. You might try Ravelry for beginner patterns.
What a great idea! Lots of gals around here repurpose yarn from sweaters from thrift stores, then sell the new items they make on Etsy. Clever.
What a cool thing to do with a favorite sweater. You are such a cool girl - wish you lived next door, ya know? ;)
Thanks Allison, I will look on Ravelry.
Katy - ditto. There's a place for sale around the corner from us, tho it's not nearly as big as the place you're selling. ;-)
Perfect Earth Day project! Would love to see the socks when your finished.
Teresa
http://teresasdesk.wordpress.com
Find a copy of Cat Bordhi's Basic Sock and you can go anywhere from there. I have her book "Socks Soar on Two Circulars" and love that method. I've made many Cookie A patterns and they're all very good but a challenge for beginners. I've made about a dozen pair of socks now and have written up my own plain sock pattern. Charlene Schurch is another good source of sock know-how.
AllyB - I will look for that book.
I love that you've written your own pattern.. How cool is that?!
Thanks
I can't wait to see what you make!!
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